Parrot Fish?

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Rosa

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May 12, 2003
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Hi I am a newbie to this fourm, and message boards in general, so hi. I have a question about Parrot Fish, I would like to know what other types of fish they get along with. I currently have an 18 gallon tank with one red tailed sword, one pleco, two parrot fish, and one catfish (about 1''1/2).

I was told the parrots could be agressive, and would like to know if this this size tank is okay for them. Also, does anyone know of a good low light aquatic plant, currently I have one flouresent bulb in my tank. Thanks for any help you could provide, and remember I'm a newbie, so be gentle:D .
 
I think first of all, We need to know what your parrot fish is.
I lot of diffrent fish go by the same name. Parrot fish are usally know as salt water, but I'm guessing you have fresh. It may be
chicilid hybred. They can be teratorial but can also get along with other fish. If this is what you have your tank is 2 small, I had one that was 8-9" couldn't even fit in a regular net! Plants for your tank I would go for a anibis, low light, easy care attach to wood or rock. If your parrot is a chicilid you will want to do this as they are diggers, and like to push and dig things up. This could be a problem if your trying to grow plants!
 
Parrots get to be big fish--an easy 8-10 inches. The pleco and catfish might get large as well--depends on the species. You will need to upgrade--probably fairly soon. I would start planning for at least a 75 if you plan on keeping all of those fish--long term, bigger might be needed.

Parrots, as cichlids, can be aggressive. Most people who have them haven't reported serious problems, though, so that shouldn't be a big problem.

For low light plants, anubias is my all tine favorite. It clings to rocks and wood, and will flower regularly in good conditions. There are several species, with different size/shaped leaves.
 
i thought a 55 was plenty big for parrots? thats what i have read anyways. they also say a 55 for oscars, and imo thats too small.
but i think an 18 gallon will be two small :(


i have moneywort in my tank. its low light, and is seemingly doing very well. :)
 
A 55 would be fine for just the parrots and some smaller bottom feeders. The 75 might be needed, depending on what kind of catfish and pleco are in with them--and there are some cats and plecos that would be crowded in the 75.
 
No, Im not gonna start on the parrots...yet...but they can be unpredictable in their eventual size and the level of aggresion - it can be a real gamble. I would err on the side of caution with them.

As for plants....java fern, java moss, anubias, crypts, vallis. elodia...
 
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